China and Pakistan have recently completed nearly three weeks of collaborative counterterrorism exercises, which they have termed a “cross-border strategic projection” between their respective military forces. These drills were initiated following increased pressure from Beijing on Islamabad to implement more rigorous measures against attacks targeting Chinese citizens.
During the exercises, the People’s Liberation Army of China deployed troops to Pakistan for a joint operation known as Warrior 8. As reported by the Chinese state broadcaster CCTV, the focus of these drills was on “joint counterterrorism clearance operations.”
A PLA Air Force officer remarked to the Chinese media that the exercise served to evaluate their strategic projection and inter-force combat capabilities, thereby establishing a foundation for future cross-border strategic initiatives and joint combat operations. The exercise concluded on Saturday.
What were the components of the drills?
CCTV reported that the exercises featured live-fire simulations, drone utilization for reconnaissance and counter-attacks, as well as airborne assaults. The footage aired by the Chinese news outlet showcased troops disembarking from helicopters. Officials involved in the drills indicated that the mission was a coordinated effort between the two nations’ military forces, encompassing both air and ground units.
In mid-November, the PLA dispatched over 300 troops from its Western Theatre Command to Pakistan. This deployment occurred shortly after a suicide bombing near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, which resulted in the deaths of two Chinese nationals. It is noteworthy that these drills marked the first such collaboration since 2019.
The Pakistan Army announced that the exercise commenced at the counterterrorism facility located in the northwestern region. In the aftermath of the Karachi attack, China’s foreign ministry urged Islamabad to take measures to “effectively address the security vulnerabilities.”
At that time, a representative from China’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that Islamabad should implement “more targeted strategies to ensure comprehensive protection for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, as well as the safety and security of Chinese personnel, projects, and institutions within Pakistan.”
Recently, Reuters reported that Beijing submitted a written proposal to Islamabad, which included a provision permitting security agencies and military forces from both nations to enter each other’s territories to aid in counterterrorism operations and conduct coordinated strikes. However, neither party has confirmed the existence of this proposal.
